Category Archives: Word of the Week

Word of the Week: DOORKS

Posted on September 19, 2012 by TJ

DOORKS /DORRKZ/ noun: Inexperienced train riders who, when attempting to move from car to car through the interior doors, pull, then push, then pull, then lock, then unlock, then push and pull again, before stepping aside to allow a more experienced … Continue reading →

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Coming to ‘Terms’ With Commuting

Posted on September 14, 2012 by TJ

So as I’ve blathered about endlessly, I’ve come up with some 70 words and phrases, with help from some friends, about the commuting life. I put them in, as I’ve blathered about endlessly, a little book called The New York … Continue reading →

Posted in The New York Commuter's Glossary, Word of the Week | 1 Comment

Where to Find Your Tramnesia, Your Booze it or Lose It

Posted on September 6, 2012 by TJ

We had a new entry to our compendium of transit-related neologisms/mash-ups/made up terms yesterday for the people who fake sleep on the train so you don’t ask them to made the window seat available, so it’s worth mentioning that the … Continue reading →

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Word of the Week: SCHWAG HAGS

Posted on June 20, 2012 by TJ

SCHWAG HAGS noun: The people who hand out free stuff–protein bars, juice samples, and assorted trinkets and toys–outside Grand Central Terminal, as their employers for the day seek to woo the tastemakers and trendsetters who ride Metro-North. Usage: While waiting … Continue reading →

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Trainjotting Dabbles in Dead-Tree Media

Posted on March 23, 2012 by TJ

A book is coming soon(ish). It will look like this. When the time is right, I hope you will buy it, enjoy it, share it with friends. More details to follow. ACCIDENTAL TOURIST: \ACKS-sidd-dental TORR-IST\ noun: Falling asleep on the commute and … Continue reading →

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Word of the Week: ASSENGERS

Posted on November 9, 2011 by TJ

ASSENGERS \ASS-en-jerz\ noun: Infrequent train riders with no knowledge of,  or no respect for, the customs, manners and mores of the seasoned daily commuter; identifiable by their loud conversations, occupation of multiple seats, and sudden inability to find their ticket … Continue reading →

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Word of the Week: HEINEKENVIOUS

Posted on November 1, 2011 by TJ

HEINEKENVIOUS \HINE-i-KEN-vee-uhs\ adjective: Pangs of jealousy one feels when opting not to buy a beer for the train ride, then sitting across from a person who appears to be enjoying their adult beverage immensely. Usage: I decided not to buy … Continue reading →

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Word of the Week: RECONGESTION

Posted on July 5, 2011 by TJ

RECONGESTION \ree kun JEST chun\ noun: The odd phenomenon of finally getting a break from some awful traffic, resuming cruising speed while enjoying being free and clear–then experiencing more soul-crushing traffic a minute or two later. Usage: I finally caught a break … Continue reading →

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Word of the Week: PAYING DUMB

Posted on March 15, 2011 by TJ

PAYING DUMB /PAY inng DUMM/ verb: Trying to pass off an off-peak ticket on an on-peak train in hopes that the conductor won’t notice and won’t hit you with the extra charge. [Also known as "Vig-norant"] Usage: I tried paying dumb with … Continue reading →

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TRAINJOTTING TURNS 4: Word of the Week — Kneegotiations

Posted on January 12, 2011 by TJ

Originally appeared Jan. 2009 KNEEGOTIATIONS \NEE goh she AYY shunz\ noun: The awkward intertwining of two passengers’ legs as they share facing seats on Metro-North trains. Usage: A man took the seat facing me on the 8:16 to the city … Continue reading →

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